Question:
What kind of cutting equipment should I use?
Rotary Cutter
A rotary cutter looks like a pizza cutter. The round blade is razor sharp and can cut through many layers of fabric quickly and accurately. Rotary cutters come in several different sized blades. You must have a special cutting mat underneath the fabric when cutting. Rotary cutters work best on straight edges when used in conjunction with a ruler as a cutting guide.
Scissor Care
Keep your scissors and shears dry to avoid corrosion. Wipe lint from the blades frequently. Have the blades sharpened often; dull blades can damage the scissors as well as the fabric. Oil the hinge or pivot point often.
Thread Clippers
Thread clippers are a small sharp scissors with blades that are held open by a spring mechanism. They are small enough to be held in your hand while working, and will cut threads by using a squeezing motion. They make thread clipping quick and easy.
Dressmaker Shears
A good quality pair of shears is essential for sewing. Bent-handled shears are best because they allow the fabric to lie flat while you are cutting. Shears must be kept sharp; only use them for sewing. Most seamstresses prefer shears that are seven and eight inches in length.
Scissors
A four to five inch embroidery scissors or tailor point scissors is needed for clipping and trimming. It will also be easier to handle for hand sewing.
Cutting Board
Cardboard cutting boards are available for purchase at most fabric stores. These mats will protect the surface of your dining room table if you do not have a cutting table. They are also handy if you have to cut on the floor. These are not the cutting boards that are used for rotary cutters.
Pinking Shears
Pinking shears are a special shears with a notched or zigzag blade. They can be used to finish the fabric edges to prevent fraying. Never use these shears to cut out a pattern; it is too difficult to match up the pinked edges for accurate seams. The blades of pinking shears become dull much more frequently than straight edge shears and are expensive to have sharpened.
Sewing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a good sewing room?
How do I select the right pattern?
What kind of cutting equipment should I use?
What kind of sewing machine should I buy?
How do I choose the right fabric?
What makes a good cutting table?
What measuring tools should I have?
How do I choose the right size pattern?
What is the best lighting for my sewing room?
How can I get custom fitting patterns?
How do I hold the fabric in place?
Where can I store things in my sewing room?
What can I use to store sewing gadgets?
What is the best way for me to store sewing supplies?
Do I need to preshrink interfacing?
What are some useful tools to have for sewing?
What kind of light should I use for sewing?
What kind of seam ripper should I get?
What kind of tape measure do I need?
How do I remove gum stuck to my clothes?
How often do I need to clean up my sewing room?
How do I deal with difficult customers?
How should I store my scissors?
How do I get rid of scorch marks?
Is it safe to use magnets around my sewing machine?
What kind of seating should I use when sewing?
How do I press seams without getting imprints?
What kind of thimble should I use?
How do I preshrink interfacing?
What kind of interfacing should I use?
How can I protect my back when sewing?
How do I hem thick fabrics like denim?
How do I cut open buttonholes?
What kind of needles should I use for hand sewing?
How do I hold the pattern in place?
How do I build a business reputation?
What pressing tools should I have?
What color thread should I use?
How high should my sewing table be?
What is full spectrum lighting?
How do I stabilize knit fabric?
How do I get curves seams to lay flat?
How do I sew over thick seams?
What kind of patches should I use?
How do I do a gathering stitch?
How do I make an invisible hem?
How do I learn new techniques?
How much time will it take me to do a project?
How do I layout the pattern pieces?
How can I focus my advertising?
How do I work with fabric cut on the bias?
How do I learn about my sewing machine?
What kind of pin cushion should I get?
How do I preshrink my material?
What kind of floors should I have in my sewing room?
How do I remove lint from my machine?
How do I make a top-stitched hem?
What kind of documentation should I keep for work taken in?
Do I need to follow the steps on the pattern in order?
can I use a magnetic seam guide?
What kind of sewing business should I start?
How can I keep my button organized?
How do I remove creases in fabric?
What kind of ironing board should I use?
Where can I get support for my business development?
When should I cut on a single layer of fabric?
How do I keep my thread from getting tangled up?
How do I sew an invisible hem?
How determine the proper care for my fabric?
Do I need to keep my sewing machine covered?
How do I get a smooth finished seam?
Can I use generic parts and accessories for my sewing machine?
What kind of pins should I use?
How often do I need to oil my sewing machine?
How do I clean out the tension discs in my machine?
How do I change the light bulb in my sewing machine?
Do I need to preshrink my zippers?
How do I keep the seam straight?
How do I prepare my pattern before using it?
Should I use a surge protector with my machine?
What color should my walls be in my sewing room?
How can I save time cutting fabric?
How often do I need to change my machine needle?
How often should I have my sewing machine serviced?
What kind of thread should I use in my sewing machine?
How can I store sewing machine needles?
What kind of thread should I use?
How do I straighten my fabric?
What is done during routine servicing of my sewing machine?
Where should I buy my sewing machine?
How much should I spend for a sewing machine?
How can I sharpen my machine's needle?
